Teams at a glance

Annapolis Panthers

1998-99 record: 7-15

Coach: Dave Griffith

Top players: Paula Postell, 5-11, Sr., F; Acacia Walker, 5-6, Jr., G; Sherika Adams, 5-7, Jr., G; Maurica Simms, 5-6, Jr., G; Lauren Maggio, 5-10, Jr., F.

Outlook: Griffith would like to see his still-young team continue to improve on the foundation that was set last season. Four starters -- Postell, Adams, Simms and Walker -- return, with youth dominating the bench. Postell has improved her inside game with stronger moves to the basket and the ability to use both hands. Adams (16 points) can get to the basket and also has an improving outside game. The Panthers will look to run with a small, but fast lineup. Simms and Walker are strong defenders. "At the end of last year, they started working together better," Griffith said. "We just need to carry that over and improve on what they've learned. We're going to pick it up even more, put the heat on the other team to stay with us." Freshman guards Whitney Crankfield and Jenny Deans will get minutes along with three sophomores. Griffith said it will be vital for the experienced starters to stay out of foul trouble early.

Arundel Wildcats

1998-99 record: 19-6

Coach: Lee Rogers

Top players: Jill Marano, 5-8, Jr., G; Najmah Fauntleroy, 6-0, Jr., F; Keyana Washington, 5-8, Sr., G; Chanell Sutton, 5-7, Sr., G; Tracy Pucci, 6-0, Jr., F; Jessica Collins, 5-5, Fr., G.

Outlook: Marano and Fauntleroy are the county's top one-two combination, and there's a strong supporting cast. "We have quickness, size and speed, and our big girls can run the floor. We'll be fun to watch," said Rogers, in his 10th season. The team feeds off Marano (13.3 points, 5.4 assists) and her versatile play at either guard spot. Fauntleroy (13.0 points, 10.5 rebounds) dominated inside the second half of last season, recording double-doubles in nine of the Wildcats' last 10 games. "They complement each other well. Teams may be able to take away one of them, but they can't stop them both. They'll have to give something up somewhere," said Rogers. The Wildcats' structured madness on defense will once again have them running, but Rogers is working hard on improving their half-court offense and wants everyone involved. Washington gives the Wildcats another outside option, Sutton is a fine complementary player and Collins' energy and intensity could make an immediate impact.

Broadneck Bruins

1998-99 record: 12-13

Coach: Bruce Springer

Top players: Rachel Shuck, 5-6, Sr., G; Michelle Lare, 5-5, Sr., G; Lindsay Riesett, 6-0, Sr., C; Melanie Bell, 5-8, Sr., F; Laura Brino, 5-11, Jr., C; Diana Davidson, 5-9, Jr., F.

Outlook: The Bruins' strength and experience is in the backcourt, so Springer will count on his guards early while his frontcourt players settle in. There are many questions still waiting to be answered -- "Who will score?" tops the list -- but there's no doubt who runs the show -- Shuck. "Rachel started every game at the point last year and is going to be in charge. She's a steady player who's excited about the season and ready to go," said Springer. Forward Jill Toomey graduated and took with her a lot of points and rebounds. Springer sees the potential of a strong inside game developing with a number of players possibly stepping up. Davidson did some scoring last season, and Brino was a steady rebounder. "We won't be quite as quick inside as we were last year, but bigger and a little stronger," he said. "We'll get up and down the court a little faster than in the past and rely on our guards until our big girls come around."

Chesapeake Cougars

1998-99 record: 11-14

Coach: Jerry McBee

Top players: Tevanna Reid, 5-7, Sr., G; Justine Wagner, 5-8, Sr., F; Nicole Pearman, 5-7, Sr., F; Erin Welsh, 5-5, Sr., G; Erica Smith, 5-7, Sr., F.

Outlook: Five returning seniors, including the inside-outside combination of Wagner and Reid, give the Cougars a good starting point. McBee would like to establish the inside game first with Wagner getting help from Pearlman. That should open things up for Reid, who averaged 12 points last season with three-point range and the ability to take defenders off the dribble. "Tevanna plays taller than what she is. She's a good jumper who anticipates well and sees the entire floor," said McBee. Developing a point guard in a hurry is also a must so Reid won't have the burden of bringing up the ball. Juniors Cindy Miller and Kelly Orndorff are vying for the spot. Defensively, the Cougars will play a lot of zone with an occasional press thrown in to keep opponents honest. "We have to slow the game down and play at our pace," said McBee. For the first time in five years, McBee has freshmen on the varsity, with point guard Courtney Gogolinski and center Megan Klug expected to make steady contributions off the bench.

Glen Burnie Gophers

1998-99 record: 11-9

Coach: Vickie Plitt